It’s so strange to think that I’ve been living on this planet for five full years without my father. Today marks the five year anniversary of the accident that took him from me and my family. It was also on a Sunday and I can close my eyes and remember exactly how that terrible day unfolded.

I wrote a post about the accident and how much I miss him. He had a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without him. Occasionally I go back and read the article that’s still on the Internet regarding how he was killed and the subsequent comments that were left. Some are regarding motorcycles and the danger in riding them, some are regarding harsher laws, most of those were written by strangers. But the ones I love the most are just friends and family leaving kind words about a man who would be and still is dearly missed.

As his daughter it’s easy for me to tell people how awesome my dad was. He was the greatest father I could have ever asked for. But of course, I’m biased. Sometimes it’s hard to see our parents as bosses, co-workers, friends, and spouses. We see them as a parent and even though I’d give anything to have him back, I love that I can read these comments and see the impact he had on other’s lives as all of those things.

These are a few of my favorites:

“The world has lost a great man in R. I had the honor to work with him over the years and a great example he set for others with his integrity and always positive outlook.” -A co-worker

“I guess it’s been 10 years ago I was fortunate and given the privilege. In all of that time, not even once did I ever doubt R as a man of conviction and devotion to his loving wife, his beautiful daughters, his sisters, his mother and his friends. He was a man of honor, a man who served his country with pride and belief. He mentored and taught all those who knew him in a way only he could. He was strong, decisive and dependable, when the time called for strong & decisive. And equally so, he was kind, caring and supportive, when the time called for kind, caring & supportive.

He was brilliantly quick witted or sometimes just outright hilarious. His eyes twinkled with happiness and pride each and every time he spoke about his wife and his daughters. He wasn’t the kind of guy who just blurted out his opinion; he was the kind of guy you asked for his opinion – out of respect. And he was also the kind of guy you could call at 3:00 in the morning for help, no questions asked, he’d go. To say he made the world a better place is an understatement, knowing him was one of those once in a lifetime “opportunities” we sometimes hear come knocking. To debate motorcycle safety in this trail of tribute to R is a moot point, what I wonder is why he was taken away so soon. Heaven’s already a great place, why couldn’t he stay in this not so great place with us just a little longer. We miss you R. ” -A friend

“The world lost, what the world needed on Sunday, an amazing person.” -A friend

Again on this anniversary, I ask you all to tell your loved ones, both family and friends, that you love them. You never know how much time you will get to spend with them. Cherish the time you have and be kind to one another.